Senior Minister of State Sim Ann visited Shaanxi and Hubei from 12 to 15 July 2026 to strengthen Singapore-China cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, education, green economy, and people-to-people exchanges.
Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann undertook a working visit to Shaanxi Province and Hubei Province in the People’s Republic of China from 12 to 15 July 2026. The visit reaffirmed Singapore’s strong partnerships with both provinces and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
SMS Sim Ann was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Economic Development Board, and Enterprise Singapore. The visit included engagements with provincial leaders, universities, innovation hubs, and businesses, reflecting Singapore’s continued commitment to strengthening sub-national cooperation with China.
In Shaanxi, SMS Sim Ann called on Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shaanxi Provincial Committee Zhao Yide. Both sides reaffirmed the warm relationship between Singapore and Shaanxi and discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
During the visit, SMS Sim Ann toured Xi’an Jiaotong University to gain insights into Shaanxi’s higher education sector and talent development initiatives. She also met representatives from companies in the innovation sector, where discussions focused on business developments and emerging opportunities within the province.
Reflecting on the visit, SMS Sim Ann said she was pleased to make her first working visit to the two provinces, noting that “I was glad to make my first working visit to Shaanxi and Hubei – two provinces that reflect the dynamism and drive of China’s northwestern and central regions.”
In Hubei, SMS Sim Ann called on Governor Li Dianxun and attended a dinner hosted by Vice Governor Hu Yabo. Discussions highlighted the contributions of Singapore companies across sectors such as transport, logistics, infrastructure, and urban solutions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in areas including trade, investment, innovation, education, and people-to-people exchanges, while welcoming new opportunities in the green and digital economies.
The delegation also visited the Wuhan East Lake High-Tech Development Zone to learn more about Hubei’s economic priorities and development plans. At Wuhan University, SMS Sim Ann discussed strengthening partnerships between Singapore’s and China’s institutes of higher learning.
Emphasising the future potential of bilateral cooperation, SMS Sim Ann noted, “There is much potential for us to strengthen cooperation with our partners in Shaanxi and Hubei in the years ahead.”
The working visit underscored Singapore’s continued efforts to deepen cooperation with Chinese provinces through practical partnerships in economic development, innovation, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The engagements are expected to support stronger provincial collaboration and contribute to the broader Singapore-China relationship.
Source: MFA Singapore
